Career
Known for his exceptional ball-handling and his accurate shooting, Holman was a star player at New York University. He was also an important part of the Original Celtics, who were no relation to the Boston Celtics. Also a gifted passer and excellent floor leader, Holman was a prototype of later playmakers.
Although he played pro basketball until 1930, he took over the head coaching position at the City College of New York in 1920.
In 1951, Holman"s City College of New York team became involved in a national point shaving scandal involving seven different schools. While several City College of New York players, including Editor Warner and Editor Roman were arrested, the investigation cleared Holman of any wrongdoing.
The scandal eventually led City College of New York to de-emphasize athletics (City College of New York currently competes in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III). Holman compiled a 421–190 record in 37 seasons at City College of New York, retiring in 1959.
In 1922, National Holman wrote a book on basketball technique titled Scientific Basketball.
In his later years, he lived and died at the Hebrew Home for the Aged in the Riverdale section of the Bronx.